Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases a woman might face in her lifetime. Currently, in the United States, one out of every 7 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. It also is a disease that many women have a lot of questions and a lot of fears about.

Typically, we look for women at risk who have a family history of breast cancer, particularly in a mother, sister, or daughter. We look at early age of first period, we look at women who've never been pregnant or never breast fed, as well as women who are overweight. At this point, alcohol intake does seem to play a factor in the development of breast cancer.

What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?

One of the questions women have is how can I keep myself from getting breast cancer. There are lifestyle changes that may help to reduce your risk. Women who exercise regularly (30 minutes of walking, 3 times a week or more), have up to a 50 percent reduction in their risk for breast cancer.

Additionally, women should keep a healthy body weight and avoid excess body fat, if possible. Also, keep the use of alcohol to a moderate level, because as little as two drinks a day can increase your risk of breast cancer. There isn't evidence to link breast cancer risk to fat intake, but maintaining a balanced diet is helpful.

Contact Us

The Aiello Breast Center is located at 203 Hospital Drive on the UM BWMC campus. For more information about The Aiello Breast Center, please call 410-553-8351.